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To: Hull, George[Hull. George@epa.gov]; StClair, Christie[StClair. Christie@epa.gov]

From: Daguillard, Robert

Sent: Mon 8/17/2015 8:20:10 PM

Subject: FW: RELEASE: EPA Statement on Colorado data from Gold King Mine Release

removed.txt

FYI

From: Biesecker, Michael [mailto:MBiesecker@ap.org]

Sent: Monday, August 17, 2015 4:16 PM
To: Daguillard, Robert
Cc: Milbourn, Cathy

Subject: RE: RELEASE: EPA Statement on Colorado data from Gold King Mine Release

Robert,

I got a response from Christie St. Clair over the weekend, six days after the questions were
submitted. She did not provide the requested spreadsheets that includes the standards. She
also did not respond to a follow up question asking for clarification as to whether it is the
agency’s position that no such spreadsheets exist (which would be surprising), or whether you
all are simply choosing not to provide it.

The agency did release one batch of sediment samples over the weekend, but again with no
comparison data of what the pre-event levels of contamination were in the river.

I will again point out that the way the agency is disseminating this information falls we short of
the standard for transparency that Administrator McCarthy set in her public statements in the
wake of the spill. The Associated Press plans to chronicle and reflect that in our coverage.

Michae1

From: Daguillard, Robert [mailto:Daquillard.Robert@epa.qov1

Sent: Monday, August 17, 2015 4:04 PM
To: Biesecker, Michael

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Cc: Milbourn, Cathy

Subject: RE: RELEASE: EPA Statement on Colorado data from Gold King Mine Release

Hey Matt,

Just to let you know that we weren’t ignoring your query, but rather that your e-mail ended up in
my junk folder - no idea why that happened. Have you since gotten the info you needed? Happy
to follow-up with our folks in Durango if not. Please advise.

Thanks, R.

From: Biesecker, Michael [mailto:MBiesecker@ap.orql

Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2015 10:35 AM
To: Daguillard, Robert
Cc: Milbourn, Cathy

Subject: FW: RELEASE: EPA Statement on Colorado data from Gold King Mine Release

Robert,

Do you all have a version of this spreadsheet with the exceedances marked? Also, please
provide the key or map for the sampling locations. Some are only indicated on the spreadsheet

with a code.

Also, is the EPA currently conducting sediment sampling? If so, when does the agency expect
to make those results available?

And lastly, why did the agency choose to make these available at 2:11 am EST?

Thanks,

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Michae

From: U.S. EPA Media Relations f mailto:noreplv-subscriptions@epa.aov1

Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2015 2:1 1 AM
To: Biesecker, Michael

Subject: RELEASE: EPA Statement on Colorado data from Gold King Mine Release

press@epa.gov

(970) 812-3351

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 12, 2015

EPA Statement on Colorado data from Gold King Mine
Release

DURANGO, Colo. - To assess the impacts of the release at the Gold King Mine near Silverton,

Colorado, water quality samples were collected at numerous intervals beginning on Aug. 5, 2015.
Samples were taken prior to the plume’s arrival to establish a baseline for water quality comparisons.
Each surface water sample was analyzed for 24 metals, including arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury.

Analysis now shows that water quality for the Animas River from the Silverton, Colo, area to the Durango
municipal water intake has returned to pre-event water quality levels. These results are based on
validated sampling data collected from Aug. 5 to Aug. 9, 2015.

EPA has shared this data with state, local and tribal officials in Colorado to assist them in their decisions
regarding the on-going use of water resources. EPA plans to continue to monitor, analyze and share data
for downstream river segments as it becomes available.

To view the surface water summary table:

http://www2.epa.gov/sites/production/files/201 5-08/q surfacewatersummarvtable 08-12-15 0900. xlsx

For additional information on the response to the Gold King Mine release www.epa.gov/qoldkinqmine

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